HX Expeditions is taking travellers back to where it all began with the launch of The 1896 Cabin, an exclusive one-night experience aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen throughout 2026.
In 1896, HX launched “the world’s first expedition cruise” to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, a voyage that “redefined travel itself: not just seeing the world differently, but truly discovering it.” Now, 130 years later, HX is inviting guests to relive that pioneering spirit by spending the night in the limited-edition cabin.
Launching on 29 January 2026, The 1896 Cabin will immerse guests in a carefully recreated late-19th-century expedition setting. Complete with handcrafted period furnishings, authentic scents, and atmospheric details, the cabin has been designed to “capture the spirit of HX’s earliest explorers.”
“The 1896 Cabin is a chance for our guests to not just see history, but to live and sleep in it,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX. “As we celebrate 130 years of pioneering journeys, we wanted to create an experience that is immersive, atmospheric, and meaningful – connecting our guests to our amazing heritage while helping fund the future of exploration and conservation.”
To bring this vision to life, HX partnered with AROS Marine, a leading European ship-interior specialist.
“Designing the HX 1896 Cabin to life has been a journey into history as much as it has into design,” said Mantas Lataitis, Head of Design at AROS Marine. “Our expert design team have meticulously researched expedition cabins from the late 19th century… to create an authentic experience that honours HX Expeditions’ heritage.”
Each stay in The 1896 Cabin will cost €450 per night (single or double occupancy) and will be offered as an exclusive add-on to any voyage. Availability is “strictly limited to one night per guest, per sailing.”
Beyond nostalgia, the experience carries a philanthropic mission: 50% of all profits will be donated to the HX Foundation, contributing to a £130,000 anniversary fundraising goal.
As part of the celebrations, HX will also transport a barrel of Fortified Zweigelt wine from Austria’s Regele Vineyard across its global fleet, creating a limited-edition “anniversary vintage” to be unveiled in 2027.
The 1896 Cabin is now open for booking, with HX inviting travellers to “reserve their place in history.”
